Earnest Richard Rodgers, Jr., 79, went to be with the Lord on June 26, 2023, surrounded by family.  Richard was a lifelong resident of Suffolk, VA.  Outside of a stint serving his country in Vietnam, he lived his entire life within a quarter mile stretch on Holland Road. He was a member of Suffolk Pentecostal Holiness Church (Radiant Life Ministries) where he served in any capacity needed, from construction to dishwashing.  He was a carpenter by trade, learning and growing under the guidance of his father.  He was the hardest working man you'll ever know and knew the blessings of a good day's work from the time he was a boy.  He worked with his father in the family business, Tri-County Builders, before joining Union Camp, eventually retiring from International Paper in 2007.  He was known for his quiet and calm demeanor, his extraordinary strength, and his devoted spirit.  You never had to guess on where he stood, and if he was ever scared, it never showed.  His greatest trait was his love of family.  He dedicated himself to providing a wonderful life for the ones he loved.  Richard loved family reunions and playing and singing music.  He loved fishing at Cape Hatteras, making many family memories there.  He was truly a man that honored God with his life.

He married the love of his life and wife for 56 years, Linda, in 1967. Along with his wife, Linda, he is survived by his son, Rich and grandsons, Evan and Ryan along with their mother, Beth.  He is also survived by sisters, Frances R. Evans and husband, Roger, and Virginia R. Peace, and brothers, Larry L. Rodgers and wife, Becky, and C. Geary Rodgers and wife, Vanessa. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and special friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Earnest Richard Rodgers and Essie Wright Rodgers and a sister, Mary R. Salisbury.

A funeral service will be held Friday, June 30, 2023 at 12 p.m. at Radiant Life Ministries with Rev. Don Milner and Rev. Jonathan Michalak officiating.  A time of fellowship will immediately follow the service.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service from 11a.m. - 12 p.m. at the church.  The burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Radiant Life Ministries.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.